A Stray Dog With A Face Of Stone Is Utterly Transformed By Love!

A Transformation From Stone

Credit: Valia Orfanidou

The life of a stray is hard. But for Petra, a stray dog living on the streets of Athens, Greece, life was so hard it eventually made her face appear as though it was made of stone.

The poor pup had been homeless and sick for so long she refused to let any human near her. Even the well-meaning ones. So, one woman took a photo of Petra (which is Greek for "stone") and shared it on Facebook along with a plea for someone to help the dog.

Credit: Valia Orfanidou

It worked. Some Good Samaritans set out to rescue the ailing pooch and to get her the help she so desperately needed.

It wasn't easy. In fact, it was incredibly difficult since Petra refused to let anyone get near her. But her rescuers were determined to help her, and their persistence paid off.

Credit: Valia Orfanidou

Petra was taken to the Save a Greek Stray shelter, where she met Valia Orfanidou -- a kindhearted animal lover determined to help rehabilitate her.

"I think she's always been a stray because she looked like she had never been around people," she recalls. "Even dogs in that condition, if they've been around people are more friendly. Petra looked like she had never been touched."

Credit: Valia Orfanidou

Petra was in pitiful shape. Her stone-like appearance was caused by an extreme case of mange. She also had a nasty infection caused by bugs which can prove fatal if left untreated, and several other health issues. And even though they were trying to help, Petra remained fearful of her rescuers.